We've just had a major blast of winter cold (brrrrr!) so it seems premature to talk about flowers, but MSCB has a lot of work to do and we are ready to get started.  One of the things that will bring more people, more businesses and more events downtown, is to make downtown really attractive.  The city, along with the help of the Iowa West Foundation, have done the "hardscaping" which includes the streets and sidewalk beautification as well as the historic lampposts.  In 2014, we want to add the softer touch on beautification and start a hanging basket program, the "Basket Case" downtown. 
We are seeking volunteers to work on this program.  We need to study other hanging basket programs (Dundee has a great one) to help guide us, we need to look at the possible basket choices, and we need to determine what plants would be the best.  We know we can't do the entire downtown in our first year because it will be too costly (there are more than 150 historic lampposts downtown!) so we need to develop a 3 to 5 year plan.  We need to develop a budget and figure out how to raise the funds needed for the project.  And we need to make sure the program is sustainable for the long term.  And of course, we need to figure out how to keep the plants watered and looking their best.   

 

MSCB needs volunteers with a variety of different skills.  We need people with plant knowledge, people who like to plant flowers, people with marketing skills, finance skills, and fund raising skills to name a few.  The program will kick off in early January and we are putting out the call for volunteers now. If you are interested in helping, please send a reply to this email with your name, email and the best phone number to reach you.  Thanks for your support!      

 

 

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays in December (5th, 12th & 19th) is family night at the  General Dodge House.  Admission is just $10 for two adults and their children. 

 

 

Santa will be at the Bersheim House on December 5th, so kids, you need to be on your best behavior.  Bring your camera for this great photo opportunity with Santa and the kids.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Saturday, December 7, the students from Iowa Western Community College's vocal music program will perform their fall concert from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Arts Center at IWCC. 

 

This performance is free to the public. 

 

 

The Community of Christ Thrift Shop, 17 N. Second Street, will conduct their annual Christmas basket project with schools, churches and businesses cooperating plans to feed around 350 families and offer them gifts. Their goal is to ensure that no one "goes without," for the holidays. Phone (712) 328-8122 for details.

There are volunteer opportunities for adults, ranging from sorting cans or wrapping gifts to delivering boxes to elderly and homebound people. Work any time between 8:30 and 4:30, any day from Monday, December 9 through Thursday, December 12. No experience is needed; you will be paired with a seasoned team member. The atmosphere is fun and festive, with holiday music, and food and drink provided. Whether you wear a Christmas sweatshirt, an old flannel shirt, a Santa hat, worn jeans or reindeer antlers, you'll fit right in!

Please note that signup, collection of donations, questions, etc., are all handled at the Store, 17 N. 2nd St., until Sunday, Dec. 8, when the project moves into the Community of Christ Church Family Life Center, 140 West Kanesville Blvd.

 

 

 

 

 




On Friday, December 13th from 6 to 9 p.m., Dixie Quicks and RNG Gallery will host an artist reception for their new exhibit.  The gallery is located at 157 W. Broadway. 

The title of the show is "Traditions Transitioned" and will feature Native American art.  Steve Tamayo, who is Sicangu Lakota as well as Donel Keeler who is Isanti Dakota will both exhibit. 

The photo shows one of Steve Tamayo's exhibits. 

 

Chanticleer will be presenting The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in reader's theater format on Dec. 13, and 14 at 7:30 and Dec. 15 at 2:00.  Call 323-9955 for reservations and information.  

 

The band, directed by Don Jacobson of Council Bluffs, will play several holiday medleys, as well as a Scott Joplin rag and two pieces by former band member James-Michael Sellers. Admission is free. The band will present its Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Arts Center at IWCC.

 

 

 

Council Bluffs will host its fifth annual "First Night" on December 31, 2013. The alcohol-free, family-friendly celebration will include new performances and an new location. Along with the indoor venues in historic downtown Council Bluffs we are adding the Mid-America Center to host the Children's Activities and the headlining act of Brule. "We are excited to add the Mid-America Center as a venue for First Night. It allows us to add more seats, more parking, and more indoor space to grow out attendance" says Inky Westfall, Co-Chair of First Night.

 

A couple of the major acts who performed last year will be returning for 2014 otherwise the entertainment committee will be working with the Omaha Musician's Association to provide new local artists to entertain this year's attendees. The MAC will be the new host of the youth activities from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. including crafts, a magician, still walkers, fire jugglers, face painters, as well as the Bubble Wrap Stomp Finale at 7:45 p.m. Brule will perform two shows to cap the night off with shows at 8pm and 9:30pm.

 

According to Co- Chair Inky Westfall "We continue to make it more affordable for families to attend this event by keeping the button prices the same as last year. The buttons are $10 for adults and kids under 12 will be admitted for free. The buttons will serve as the ticket for admission to every performance and venue. Buttons will be sold at the City Hall Treasurers office, and all Hy-Vee, and No Frills Supermarket locations in Council Bluffs."

 

Volunteers are needed to help staff each venue and assist with set-up and clean-up. Volunteers will receive a free button, so they will be able to enjoy the rest of the evening's festivities either before or after their shift. To register, volunteers can log onto  www.firstnightcouncilbluffs.org.

 

First Night is also funded in part by a grant from Iowa West Foundation.   Other major sponsors for First Night Council Bluffs are the City of Council Bluffs, The Daily Nonpareil, and Cox Communications, and the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors.

 

 

Have a group planning a holiday outing?  If your group is 20 people, you can schedule your own "Christmas at the Rails" day tour.  Contact Diane at the CVB 712-256-5652 for details.

 

 

"A Child's Christmas" is the theme for this year's gingerbread house display.  The display is open to the public at the Kanesville Tabernacle located at 222 E. Broadway from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily beginning November 22 through December 29. 

 

Don't miss the seeing these displays that are lovingly hand made and decorated.  There is so much frosting and sugar it will satisfy anybody's sweet tooth.